10 Amazing Facts About Tamarind

For the love of tamarind I recently had a pleasant childhood flashback when I saw a basket of tamarind in my local supermarket and I was immediately taken back to my childhood in Guyana. Tamarind is not a fruit which I see very often here in Haiti. Although it is definitely known and there are…

Hibiscus Orange Ice Tea

In the heavy oppressive summer heat, a cool beverage is always welcome. In the Caribbean, the months of June through September are ones of long sunny days and extremely high temperatures. Although we have sunshine all year around, these months are particularly hot ones which means that everyone is looking for ways to keep their…

Ginger Tea with Aromatic Spices

Ginger is a such a glorious root which offers so many favorable properties. Ginger rhizome is related to curcuma or turmeric and originated in South East Asia. Ginger can be found in fresh or dried form, with each form being slightly different both in flavor and potency level. Rich in Vitamin C & Magnesium, ginger…

Citrus Magic: Lemons, Limes and Sour Oranges

It never ceases to amaze me how flavors come together in food preparation. In my opinion, cooking can be compared to alchemy. Like magic, ingredients and spices marry together to produce wondrous outcomes. A good cook seeks to balance flavors ranging from sweet, savory, spicy and acidic and transforms them into tasty delights. Too much…

The Health and Wellness Benefits of Teas and Infusions

Tea for me is a sacred thing. I look forward to starting my day with my big blue teacup of my favorite robust black tea. I must admit that I prefer to make a pot of tea rather than simple one serving mug. I enjoy the ritual of filling the teapot with boiling water from…

Garden Fresh Mint, Fennel and Green Tea Medley

As a tea drinker, I am automatically drawn to all types of teas. I must admit that I prefer a hearty pot of black tea for starting my day, but I also love herbal teas during the day and especially a warm cup in the evening. The weather is beginning to warm up here in…

Haitian Hot Chocolate “Chokola Peyi”

Chocolate has often been referred to as “The food of the Gods.” The Aztecs and Mayas drank a spicy libation made from the cocoa bean during their religious ceremonies and was considered a drink of the elite. Cocoa was a very important commodity in Mesoamerica and was even used as a currency and payment for…

Christmas Traditions Then and Now

December is a busy month of family traditions. Many of you are likely to be planning Christmas celebrations and parties as it is traditionally a month of festivities. For me, the season is usually a busy and happy one. Christmas has always been my favorite season. My traditions are a mixture of Guyanese and Haitian…